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Archive · July 3, 2026

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Story 01

PayPal Joins European Payments Council, Gains Influence Over EU Payment Standards

PayPal has secured a seat on the European Payments Council (EPC), which gives it direct input into the development of payment standards across Europe. This move strengthens PayPal’s ability to shape regulatory and technical frameworks, potentially giving it an edge over rival wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Merchants and banks may see PayPal’s features and integrations reflected in future EU payment protocols.

Source: PYMNTS
Also Worth Knowing
№02

Standard Chartered Partners With Circle to Offer USDC Minting and Redemption

Standard Chartered now enables institutional clients to mint and redeem USDC stablecoins through a partnership with Circle. This positions the bank as a leader in bridging traditional finance and digital assets, appealing to corporates seeking faster, programmable cross-border settlement. HSBC and JPMorgan have also piloted stablecoin and tokenized deposit solutions, signaling a broader shift among major banks toward digital asset rails.

Source: Finextra
№03

Visa Debuts Threat Intelligence Platform for Banks and Payment Providers

Visa has launched a threat intelligence platform designed to help banks and payment providers detect and respond to cyber threats in real time. By embedding advanced cybersecurity tools into its network, Visa aims to deepen its value proposition beyond card processing. Financial institutions adopting the platform may reduce fraud losses and improve compliance with tightening regulatory standards.

Source: Finextra
№04

Payward Acquires Reap for $600M to Expand Stablecoin Payments Infrastructure

Payward has completed its $600 million acquisition of Reap Technologies, a company specializing in stablecoin-native card issuing and payments infrastructure. The deal expands Payward’s global money movement capabilities, especially for businesses seeking programmable, cross-border settlement. Rivals in the stablecoin and B2B payments sector may need to accelerate their own infrastructure investments to remain competitive.

Source: Finextra
№05

Lightspark Secures Estonia’s First MiCA License for Crypto Payments

Lightspark Payments Europe AS has become the first payments company in Estonia to receive authorization under the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA). This license allows Lightspark to operate as a regulated crypto-asset service provider and electronic money institution, setting a precedent for crypto compliance in the EU. Other crypto firms are preparing applications as MiCA enforcement ramps up across Europe.

Source: Finextra
The Long Memory
“PayPal is the first major non-bank digital wallet to join the European Payments Council, a body previously dominated by banks and traditional payment institutions.

Filed under: Payments History · The Long Memory

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